everybody asks

USAGE SUMMARY

"everybody asks" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to a general question or inquiry. For example, "Everybody asks why the sky is blue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Everybody asks me that.

Independent

Everybody asks that question".

The Guardian - Arts

"Everybody asks me this question," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everybody asks: 'Why are you fighting him?

The New York Times - Sports

"Everybody asks what happened to the money!" she said.

The New Yorker

Everybody asks: Do you root for a team?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Everybody asks me which sport I like more," Garrett said.

The New York Times - Sports

Everybody asks me, excitedly, if I'll vote for independence.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Everybody asks about it," said Mr. Mahdi, himself a Shiite.

The New York Times

Everybody asks, 'Are you worried?' No, I'm not worried.

The New York Times - Sports

"No matter what I do, everybody asks questions about Mel," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "everybody asks" to introduce a question that is commonly posed, implying a shared curiosity or concern about a specific topic.

Common error

While "everybody asks" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound informal or clichéd. In formal contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "a frequent inquiry is" or "it is commonly asked".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everybody asks" functions primarily as an introductory clause to a question or topic that is presumed to be of common interest. This is confirmed by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig. It serves to set the stage for a discussion or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "everybody asks" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a question or topic presumed to be of common interest. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is primarily introductory, signaling a shared curiosity across a wide audience. While versatile, it's best to consider alternative phrases for formal contexts to maintain a polished tone. Its high frequency in news and media sources, as well as general usage, make it a readily understandable and acceptable expression in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everyone inquires

Replaces "asks" with a more formal synonym "inquires" and keeps "everyone" instead of "everybody".

people often ask

Uses "people" instead of "everybody" and adds "often" to emphasize the frequency of the question.

it's a common question

Shifts the focus to the question itself being common, rather than who is asking.

a frequent inquiry is

Uses "frequent inquiry" to highlight the regularity of the question.

many people wonder

Replaces "ask" with "wonder", suggesting contemplation or curiosity, and uses "many people" instead of "everybody".

the question on everyone's mind is

Highlights that the question is widely considered or contemplated.

it's often heard

Focuses on the question being commonly heard, rather than who is asking it.

a lot of people want to know

Emphasizes the desire for information among a significant portion of the population.

what people usually ask is

Adds the element of habitual or typical questioning by "people".

commonly requested information includes

Shifts to a more formal context, highlighting the information that is commonly requested.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "everybody asks" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "it is commonly asked", "a frequent inquiry is", or "the question often arises" depending on the context.

What does "everybody asks" imply in a sentence?

Using "everybody asks" typically implies that a particular question or topic is of general interest or concern, suggesting a widespread curiosity or a common point of inquiry among a group of people.

Is "everyone asks" a suitable substitute for "everybody asks"?

"Everyone asks" is a suitable and almost identical substitute for "everybody asks". The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations, as they carry the same meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "everybody asks" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "everybody asks" when you want to introduce a question that you believe is on the minds of many people. It's suitable for both informal and neutral contexts, but avoid overusing it in strictly formal or academic writing.